New skipper Stovell thrilled as Rangers lift another Cup
Dion Stovell said he was thrilled to cap off his debut weekend as Southampton Rangers’ new skipper by winning the Belco Cup.The Bermuda opening batsman scored 48 runs against defending champions PHC in the final at Lords on Sunday, which Rangers won by by two wickets.He also scored a fine century in his first game as Rangers captain against Willow Cuts the previous day.Rangers’ triumph over PHC was the club’s seventh Belco title in nine years and will serve as a warning shot to their rivals with the new season now underway.Their new captain, for one, is more than confident of winning more silverware during the upcoming campaign.“It’s a good feeling to be lifting the first trophy of the season, we have a good core group of guys that are experienced in Janeiro (Tucker), Kwame (Tucker), Sluggo (Dwayne Leverock) and Curtis (Jackson), so it makes it a lot easier for the younger guys to learn the ropes,” said Stovell.“When Sluggo returns it will only add to our depth and experience so the season should be one with a lot of excitement.”Stovell, 26, said he was delighted to be bestowed with the captain’s duties and hoped to provide Rangers’ supporters with plenty to cheer about this summer.“It’s a great opportunity to skipper Rangers, I’ve played here for a number of years and to be given the chance is great. This is a great cricket club with great fans so I’m just pleased with this and will take every game as it comes,” he said.Stovell only recently returned to the international scene after a long hiatus and was one of the better performers during the Island’s dismal World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Dubai.He scored 73 against Namibia while also pouring in 72 and 42 against UAE and Papua New Guinea respectively.“The form I’m in right now is kind of scary. I haven’t played this well in some time but it’s good to continue off where I left the international arena and bring it domestically,” Stovell said.“Right now I feel confident, fitter than before so I’m happy with how things are working out.“Our main goal is to win the league again, obviously there will be a lot of teams that will have the same thoughts heading into the season so the start is as important as the finish.”Rangers begin the defence of their Premier Division title at home against St. David’s on Sunday.